MANSFIELD -- Richland County Sheriff Steve Sheldon touted his experience and accomplishments during a public forum Monday night.

Republican challenger Jerry Botdorf questioned parts of Sheldon's record with what he called "documented facts, not mudslinging innuendo."

The two squared off during a forum hosted by the Mansfield North Central Ohio Tea Party at a packed Crystal Care Companion conference room.

Sheldon and Botdorf will meet in the March 15 primary. The winner will face Democrat Matt Mayer, who did not attend Monday's forum.

Sheldon has been sheriff for three terms. He ran unopposed for his second and third terms, in 2008 and 2012.

He worked for the sheriff's office for three years, attaining the rank of sergeant. Sheldon then spent 1983 to 2004 at the Mansfield Police Department, rising to the rank of captain.

The incumbent pointed toward the formation of the county division of the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force and the opening of a new jail in 2008 with no new taxes as accomplishments in his tenure.

"I've got 40 years in law enforcement. I've done everything that I can possibly do," Sheldon said. "I try to run this organization the best way possible. It's not an easy job. You wrestle with your decisions a lot of the times."

Sheldon said in 2015, the county jail was 100 percent compliant with a state inspection, something the jail had never done before. He also said he has re-established a K-9 unit.

Botdorf retired after 23 years of service with the Ohio Highway Patrol. While there, he was trooper of the year and became a sergeant and assistant post commander. He is the current operations supervisor for the Mansfield 911 Center and a reserve city police officer.

Botdorf challenged Sheldon on fiscal responsibility, saying the sheriff's office has paid out $654,000 in overtime in the last four years.

"Thirty percent went to the top wage earners in the department," the challenger said. "The sheriff asked for money for cruisers. He could have purchased four or five brand new cruisers and body cameras (with that money)."

Botdorf pledged no fiduciary employee who worked for him would be paid OT.

The challenger also vowed to operate with honesty, integrity and transparency.

"We will strive to be out in front of the story, not behind it," Botdorf said.

Botforf referred to several cases that have been in the news the last few years.

"The sheriff continued to allow employment of a deputy who lied (under oath). He adjusted the work schedule to allow him to serve weekends in Ashland County Jail," he said.

Botdorf also pointed to Sheldon's former job at Abon's Cards & Coins.

"It was investigated for trafficking in stolen merchandise," he said. "I would ask the sheriff if he was aware of illegal transactions."

After opening statements, the candidates took questions from the audience. Several were about gun rights.

Sheldon said he is "adamant" about Second Amendment rights.

"It's the biggest amendment there is. There is nothing more important," he said. "I feel the strongest about the Second Amendment that I can possibly feel."

Botdorf said he, too, supports the Second Amendment and called gun control "a fallacy."

The challenger made several references to his team, which would include retired FBI agent Brad Hoffert and retired sheriff's Sgt. John Nicholson. Botdorf said he would lean on them for advice.

"So there will be three sheriffs?" tea party member Bonnie Oleksa asked. "Are we going to have to pay for them?"

Botdorf said they would be sworn members of his staff.

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Sheriff Steve Sheldon, center, speaks as challenger Jerry Botdorf looks on during a forum hosted by the Mansfield North Central Ohio Tea Party at the Wyandotte Senior Center on Monday evening.(Photo: Mitchell Pe Masilun/News Journal)

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Sheriff Steve Sheldon speaks during a forum hosted by the Mansfield North Central Ohio Tea Party at the Wyandotte Senior Center on Monday evening.(Photo: Mitchell Pe Masilun/News Journal)